Primary school employs psychologist to give anger lessons to 5-year-olds

A primary school has offered ‘anger management classes’ for children as young as five and employed an educational psychologist to tackle the behaviour of its naughty children.

Hillcrest primary, in Leeds, drafted in the specialist to help ‘break the cycle of poor behaviour’, according to an Ofsted report.

In the past year, 38 children have been excluded from the 429-pupil school while many more were taught in ‘nurture groups’ and had anger management counselling.

Inspector John Young , who visited the school last month, said the methods were ‘working’ but the majority of teaching was ‘satisfactory or inadequate’.

He also noted ‘a high volume of staff absence’ but said bosses were working to solve the problems.

In a letter to headteacher Teena Thomson, Mr Young said: ‘Leaders and managers’ commitment and ambition is evident and they understand the deep-rooted challenges afflicting the school. They state that “there is no quick fix” but are working doggedly to monitor teaching and learning and train staff.’

Ms Thomson said she was ‘encouraged’ by Ofsted’s recognition that the school’s approach to tackling bad behaviour was having a positive effect.

She added: ‘Part of this strategy is to get groups of children to talk about their feelings, how to share, how to control their emotions and develop good social skills.

‘This helps to encourage friendship, play and good behaviour.’

Hillcrest caters from 429 pupils, aged three to 11. At its previous inspection in June 2010, the school was found to be ‘satisfactory’.

Although no five-year-olds have attended the anger classes, Nigel Richardson, director of children’s services at Leeds City Council, said: ‘Hillcrest has been facing a number of challenges.’